Factors associated with carer quality of life of people with dementia: a systematic review

Nicolas Farina, Thomas Page, Stephanie Daley, Anna Brown, Ann Bowling, Thurstine Basset, Gill Livingston, Martin Knapp, Joanna Murray, Sube Banerjee (2017)

Please note: this is a legacy publication from CPEC (formely PSSRU at LSE).

Alzheimer’s and Dementia 13 5 572-581

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2016.12.010

Available online: 5 February 2017

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Family carers of people with dementia are their most important support in practical, personal, and economic terms. Carers are vital to maintaining the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia. This review aims to identify factors related to the QOL of family carers of people with dementia.

METHODS:

Searches on terms including "carers," "dementia," "family," and "quality of life" in research databases. Findings were synthesized inductively, grouping factors associated with carer QOL into themes.

RESULTS:

A total of 909 abstracts were identified. Following screening, lateral searches, and quality appraisal, 41 studies (n = 5539) were included for synthesis. A total of 10 themes were identified: demographics; carer-patient relationship; dementia characteristics; demands of caring; carer health; carer emotional well-being; support received; carer independence; carer self-efficacy; and future.

DISCUSSION:

The quality and level of evidence supporting each theme varied. We need further research on what factors predict carer QOL in dementia and how to measure it.